How to paint radiators. Painting heating radiators

It is very difficult to find a person who has never held a brush in his hands. Therefore, many people do not think about how to paint a battery, believing that there is nothing special in this process. In fact, without some attention, the radiator will become the same as before the repair: rusty, with peeling and swollen paint. That is why many are forced to update almost annually appearance heating elements, instead of learning how to paint the battery correctly. But then you can return to this task no more often than once every five years or even ten.

Which batteries can and should be painted?

Traditionally, any painted radiators, especially cast iron ones, need updating, as the paint on them begins to chip off over time, and open places rust appears. It not only stains curtains, but also destroys equipment.

Painting heating radiators - Photo 1

New-style aluminum or factory-enameled steel batteries are usually not painted, especially because you don’t like the color or want to change it. Otherwise, their appearance will be spoiled, and the heat transfer from them will be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is better to disguise them with a suitable decorative screen.

Review of paints for radiators

The most common options are enamel paints . They can be acrylic or alkyd. The first ones were created using organic solvents. They allow you to create beautiful glossy finish. The latter are very durable, easy to clean, and practically indestructible. Alkyd enamels also have a huge advantage - wide color scheme. Their disadvantage is that they include white spirit, which has a strong odor.

Traditional paints and varnishes containing harmful substances, gradually move aside. Although they are quite effective - they give long lasting color, are applied evenly and are stable. In addition, the cost of such materials is affordable.

However, they can be replaced with more environmentally friendly materials- the same water-soluble paints . They are absolutely safe, dry quickly, apply smoothly and do not emit carcinogens. However, you should be careful when purchasing - not all similar products suitable for use as water causes metal corrosion. It is better to choose paints from it acrylic base, keep in mind that radiators will still require careful surface preparation. The disadvantage of these materials is also that they are not wash-resistant and can stain the curtains.

Fast surface preparation

When choosing what paint to paint batteries with, you should keep in mind that their preparation will be different in each case. Also, a lot depends on what kind of result you want to get in the end: to refresh the surface or give the radiator the appearance of a new factory product.

Preparing the battery for painting - Photo 2

First you need to clean all surfaces from dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If you are short on time and want to complete the procedure faster, then it is enough to clean off the loose paint with a spatula, sand the uneven areas and remove the rust with sandpaper. Next, all the resulting recesses should be treated with a primer that protects the metal from corrosion and puttied. All these steps are carried out for painting with enamel.

To prepare the surface for acrylic paint, you need to completely coat the radiator with an adhesive primer and let it dry. Otherwise, the metal will quickly begin to rust.

Careful surface preparation

In this case, the remaining paint is completely removed. This is done like this:

the radiator is heated using a gas burner;
then large pieces of paint are broken off with a spatula;
the surface is thoroughly cleaned with sandpaper, or better yet, with a drill with an iron brush attachment.

After these procedures, the radiator is wiped with a damp cloth in order to degrease and remove dust. If you paint it properly after this procedure, it will definitely look like new.

By the way, in order for it to work as if it had just been brought from the factory, an additional procedure must be performed. Namely: you need to remove it, drain the water, heat it up very much, let it cool, then disassemble it and clean it of accumulated debris and rust inside. Then, carefully assemble it back, using rubber cut from ordinary tires as spacers.

Painting

Now let's look at how to actually paint the battery. First of all, you need to dilute the paint to 1% kefir. That is, very liquid, but not watery, but so that the brush can be pulled at least 30-40 cm at a time. Next, you need to carefully apply the first layer, starting with inside batteries.

After this, you need to wait a day or in some cases 7-8 hours, depending on the quality of the product. Then you need to paint the radiator again in the same way. By the way, the second layer of acrylic paint (if you use it) can be applied immediately, without waiting for it to dry.

Is it possible to paint hot batteries?

Many professionals do not recommend painting radiators during heating season. However, using alkyd enamel, resistant to high temperatures, or sprays, it is quite possible to paint hot batteries. You just need to do this carefully, carefully and quickly, so as not to get burned and so that the paint lays evenly. The latter is quite difficult to do, since hot surface from 50°C it dries almost instantly.

Option for painting a heating radiator - Photo 3

If you doubt that you can quickly and accurately complete the procedure, it is better to wait until the end of the heating season. Or, if time is running out, do not immediately paint hot batteries, but first turn on the heated water supply to them. Moreover, if you cannot do this yourself, you can contact the Housing Office.

To avoid getting dirty during work flooring, baseboards and wallpaper on the walls, it is necessary to carefully isolate the areas using film, which it is advisable to attach pointwise with stationery tape so that it does not move. Newspapers are worse in this regard - they tear in the process when paint gets on them.

Painting the battery - Photo 4

If there is a need to paint the battery more thoroughly, then it is better to remove it, since otherwise this will not be possible. If it is not possible to do this, then you need to start painting from the inside, where access is difficult, so the likelihood of getting dirty is reduced.

If you have never used paint, keep in mind that at first you will do it very slowly, you will be uncomfortable, everything will get in the way. Such is the specificity of this matter. Therefore, beginners should not paint hot batteries, since with a 90% probability the result will not be very good: stains, drips may remain, and the enamel will lie unevenly.

How to paint a heating radiator: recommendations and photos

Which batteries can be painted?

It’s worth clarifying right away that painting heating radiators is not possible in all cases. First of all, it is advisable to perform this operation for cast iron radiators, a thick and uneven layer of paint on which not only spoils the exterior of the battery, but also greatly impairs the quality of heat transfer. The second type of batteries that can and should be painted are convectors, made in the form of a bent riser pipe with fins pressed onto it.

If you are the owner modern models radiators with aluminum sections, then it’s better to abandon the idea of painting. Of course, you can paint it, but you will have to apply many layers of paint, and you are unlikely to achieve the expected effect. The fact is that the battery is painted with a brush, and this method is by definition worse than the factory one, so it is better to leave new battery models alone and, if necessary, cover it with a decorative screen.

How to paint a heating radiator: choosing paint and tools

Before you begin the main stage of work, you need to prepare. First, let's prepare soft brushes, which should be small in size and of two types - straight and curved. The straight brush is intended for painting external, easily accessible areas, and the curved brush is for painting the rear and internal surfaces of the radiator.

Which paint to choose

The main role in this work is played by paint for radiators, which can be following types:

water-dispersed;
alkyd;
acrylic;
oil

Any paint for heating radiators must be resistant to abrasion, withstand high temperatures (up to 100 degrees) and not release toxic compounds when heated. According to these parameters, the above options differ significantly from each other. For example, water-dispersion paints do not have an unpleasant odor and dry quickly, but this type of coating is less resistant to abrasion than others, meaning it will have to be renewed more often.

Acrylic paint contains chemical solvent, therefore, when used, an unpleasant odor is released, which has to be for a long time ventilate from the room. The advantages of this coating are considered to be high abrasion resistance and attractive glossy look.

Alkyd paint for radiators also has an unpleasant odor, but is in high consumer demand due to high stability to abrasion and a huge range of shades. In addition, the smell from modern building materials not so harsh.

As for oil paint, it is being used less and less as a coating for radiators and pipes. The reason for this is the unpleasant odor, long drying time and difficulty in applying an even layer.

How to paint radiators is up to you, but it’s best to use alkyd paints famous manufacturers. All you have to do is choose suitable color coverings.

What paint to paint radiators video

How to paint radiators: preparatory stage

So, the materials have been selected. Now you can move on to preparatory stage. Old cast iron radiators may have chipped paint and many layers on top of them, so you need to completely clean the radiator of the old paint coating to metal. This operation can be performed using a hair dryer, which melts the old paint with a stream of hot air, after which it can be removed using a spatula.

If you don’t have a hair dryer at hand, you can use alternative option- washing solution. This solution is applied to the entire surface of the radiator, after which heating device covered with film. After the washing solution has been in action for an hour, the paint can be removed using a spatula.

The main layer of paint has been removed, now we clean the battery from its remnants using fine sandpaper or a special wire attachment for a screwdriver. Then degrease the surface of the radiator using a rag soaked in a special solution, such as white spirit. The final stage is to coat the radiator with an anti-corrosion primer; it will protect the radiator from corrosion, but will also improve the adhesion of the paint to the surface.

Removing old paint from a cast iron radiator: video instructions

Painting a radiator: basic rules

It’s worth clarifying right away that painting the batteries should be done with the heating turned off. This limitation is due to the fact that paint dries very quickly on a hot surface, which can lead to an uneven coating layer and the formation of smudges.

Before painting the heating radiator, place an oilcloth or rag under it, which will protect the floors from paint getting on the floor. Start painting the radiator from hard-to-reach parts with a curved brush, and front side paint at the last minute. This approach will allow you not to smudge the newly applied layer of paint, and your hands will remain clean.

In order for the radiator paint to lay flat, it must be applied in two thin layers. To apply the second layer, you need to wait until the first one has completely dried.

How to paint a battery video instructions

Possible problems when painting

When implementing each stage of work, unexpected difficulties may arise - the paint does not apply evenly or the old coating is not removed. In order not to spoil the materials, you can pause work, wait for complete drying and start again by cleaning and degreasing the surface.

You can find out what paint to paint heating radiators from consultants in a specialized store; they will help you decide on a specific brand that is most popular among customers.

To avoid additional difficulties, pay attention to the video instructions, where experts will help you study the painting algorithm in detail and follow the detailed steps.

Bottom line

Painting radiators plays important role, since this heating element attracts attention and is a subject of interior design and design of the room. Using the above tips, you can ensure that an old cast-iron battery after treatment will look no worse than a new one, and the coating will last for many years.

Heating batteries are an integral part of the interior of residential premises. When renovating an apartment or private house, the question arises - how to paint the battery, design it in such a way that it fits into the interior of the room without losing its performance qualities.

If you consider how much it costs to replace all heating radiators, then for families with a low income, painting will be the most acceptable option.

A simple, careful painting of cast iron radiators, as seen in the photo, can give the room a feeling of comfort and well-groomed. It is worth applying your skill and imagination, and old battery will be wonderful decorative decoration apartments.

Preparing cast iron batteries for painting

It is necessary to carefully prepare the battery for work, since when painting an untreated surface, it will quickly lose its appearance, all uneven places will protrude from under the freshly painted layer, and cracks will appear.

First you need to think about the volume and sequence of work, determine the degree of contamination, decide whether it is worth removing the paint that was applied earlier, and how much will be required Supplies. Then stock up necessary tools and materials.

The first stage of work is to free the batteries from the old coating.

There are two methods for removing paint:

wire brush;
chemical solvents.

A metal brush fits onto the drill and effectively removes old coating. Special washing solutions also work well, they destroy only the paint layer without affecting the metal surface. But it is worth remembering that such solvents require compliance with safety precautions. When working with them, it is better to ventilate the room and wear a respirator.

The washing solution is applied with a brush to the entire area of the radiator, then the battery is covered with film. After some time, about an hour, the paint can be removed with a spatula.

After removing it, you need to clean the surface to ensure that it is smooth. This stage is quite labor-intensive, but the efforts will not be in vain - than smoother surface batteries, the better it fits into the interior of the room. At the end of the preparatory work, it is necessary to degrease the radiator area with white spirit or soda and apply an anti-corrosion primer.

Even if the heating radiators are new and you need to paint them a different color, preliminary preparation must also be carried out: removing dirt and dust, sanding with sandpaper and treating with a solvent.

Paint selection

There are the same requirements for all types of paint for radiators. It should serve as protection against metal corrosion, be heat-resistant to high temperatures, withstand 70-80 degrees Celsius, not peel off or change the original color from heating, and also be environmentally friendly.

If it is not possible to turn off the heating, especially in winter, then you need to choose the right paint that is intended for application to surfaces with high temperatures. Otherwise, when quick drying it may lie unevenly and lose its color.

Acrylic enamels have a beautiful gloss, they are colorfast, but at the same time they have a pungent odor.
Alkyd paint is durable; it applies evenly to the entire area of the surface being painted, but it also has a peculiar odor that can remain after drying.
Water-dispersed emulsions dry quickly, but they must be carefully selected for metal.

Color selection

White color is traditional in choosing paint for radiators, but sometimes you can deviate from tradition and make heating device beautiful and original. If you paint the batteries to match the color of the walls or the corresponding range of shades in the interior, then they will be visually invisible.

Some craftsmen, on the contrary, transform the radiator into beautiful item room decoration - stenciled onto the surface small drawings: leaves, flowers, make herringbone patterns. The main thing is not to overdo it and correctly maintain the style of the room.

Painting old cast-iron radiators in bronze or silver color, if they are carefully polished, will be a worthy addition to the “antique” interior.

When painting a battery in a children's room, it is better to avoid standard solutions in design. It would be appropriate to paint the radiator in cheerful colors, the color of the rainbow, or, for example, decorate it as an element of a panel, painting it in the form of a picket fence, with butterflies, flowers or dragonflies painted above it on the wall. You can use all your imagination and make your baby’s nursery bright and cheerful.

You can decorate your home with a sophisticated addition to your interior design by correctly applying painting and decorating tips. heating batteries. To avoid staining the wall while working, cover it with plastic wrap.

The heating radiator goes well with the decor in the apartment if it is painted with a uniform layer of shiny emulsion. Old batteries, the coating of which has faded and began to bubble, spoil the interior. Therefore, it is important to update them from time to time, painting them in a color identical to the tone of the walls in the room. True, this process can be difficult to do with your own hands.

Difficulties in painting a battery in an apartment

Often, when updating heating radiators, problems arise, but they all have a solution:

It happens that the color emulsion is spread unevenly. In this case, work must be interrupted. When the already applied emulsion dries, the process must be resumed, starting from the forgotten stage - removing the old layer and treating the battery with a solvent;
Some elements of the heating radiator are often not painted over. This problem can be encountered by using the wrong tools. Hard-to-reach places are covered not with a foam roller or a regular brush, but with a special small curved brush. More for coloring internal elements A simple toothbrush is suitable for batteries;
Renewing the coating of a heating radiator is always inconvenient. To make the task completely easier, it is worth dismantling the object to be painted. This trick will allow you to get a brush dipped in paint into absolutely all places that seemed inaccessible. But this does not mean that the battery must be removed from the wall. In this matter, you should focus on the shape of the radiator and the complexity of dismantling;
The paint may not adhere to the surface in a neat layer, forming streaks, or bubbling. This problem is often caused by staining a hot radiator. In order for the new coating to be smooth, you only need to update cold battery. If the repair of the heating radiator took place in the winter, you need to shut off the access of heated water to it and wait until it becomes cold.

It should be immediately noted that it does not always make sense to cover the battery with a new layer of color emulsion. It is worth upgrading a heating radiator if it is made of cast iron. Being peeling and faded, such heating equipment will negatively affect the quality of heat transfer. It is also recommended to periodically paint convectors that look like a rounded pipe supplying hot water with ribbed elements added to it.

You should not start painting the battery if it is aluminum. The coating on a heating radiator made of such metal is unlikely to be updated accurately. Factory coloring method heating equipment does not compare with applying emulsion with a regular brush. That's why aluminum radiator heating, the paint on which has cracked and faded over time, it is more advisable to cover it with a decorative element.

Nuances of choosing paint and calculations

The quality of the paint significantly influences how the heating radiator will look after updating its surface. Therefore, it should be immune to the effects high temperature(up to 100 degrees), resistant to abrasion and does not emit toxic substances.

Also, the type of color emulsion affects the result of painting the battery. Each has its own characteristics:

Acrylic paint is easy to pick up with a brush and does not flow down the surface being treated, since its consistency is the same as sour cream. A battery coated with it acquires a uniform glossy tint that does not wear off or turn gray for a long time. While this dye is drying, there may be a faint odor of acetone in the air;
Alkyd paint is chosen by many of those who decide to update their heating radiator. It has such advantageous characteristics as high thermal stability, wear resistance and a huge range of shades. But such a color emulsion dries out for several days and smells of something pungent, since it contains Stoddard’s solvent;
Water-dispersion paint. It is so named because it requires the addition of water when applying the first coat. This emulsion dries on the battery within a day, and most importantly, it does not emit a pungent odor;
Oil paint. It is considered a relic of the past, which is why almost no one uses it. This coloring substance is not suitable for coating heating radiators, as after some time it becomes faded, loses its shine and is riddled with cracks.

How to calculate the required amount of material

How much color emulsion is required to treat the surface of a heating radiator depends on its area. One section of a cast iron heating radiator is equal to 0.254 m2. Approximate consumption Manufacturers always indicate the amount of paint per 1 m2 on the label of the jar, because each emulsion has its own consistency. A battery of 9 ribs usually requires more than half a can weighing 0.9 kg.

Tools

In addition to heat-insulating paint, for the upcoming work it is necessary to prepare the following tools and means:

A soft and narrow brush to cover visible areas of the heating radiator;
A small and curved brush that makes it easier to paint the internal elements of the battery;

The size of the brush is very important, since the process of painting a heating radiator requires special care. This tool indicator can correspond to half the width of one battery section. A brush that is too narrow will make the job take a long time and will poorly coat many areas of the heating system equipment.

A grinder, which is not difficult to hold in your hands, with an iron brush attached to it;
Hand brush for cleaning metal;
A primer intended for treating heating radiators;
Solvent to degrease the battery surface.

Instructions for properly applying paint yourself

In the process of covering a heating radiator with a new layer of paint, you must perform the following steps:

Clean the surface from the previous layer of emulsion, using a grinder with an iron brush on the outer areas, and a hand-held metal brush on the inner areas;

Removal old paint carried out with protective glasses and a respirator worn on the face. This is necessary so as not to inhale a large number of rising dust.

Moisten a small piece of cloth and wipe the scraped heating radiator with it until it is completely clean;
Treat the surface of the battery with a solvent to degrease and protect the metal from corrosion;
After a few hours, when the solvent is absorbed, it is necessary to apply a primer to all sections of the heating radiator, which is heat-resistant and prevents rust. Without it, it will not be possible to mask all the stains formed due to metal corrosion, even after treating the battery several times;

If desired, in hardware store You can find a paint emulsion that already contains both a regular primer and an anti-rust liquid. When using it, the previous point can be omitted.

Place cardboard from a cut-up box or film under the heating radiator to prevent drops of paint from falling on the floor. You can also protect the wall from emulsion stains by placing paper behind the radiator;

Stir the coloring matter to break up any lumps that have formed;
Start painting the battery, starting with its internal elements. If you first start processing the external areas, then later, when applying the emulsion to hard-to-reach areas, you can get dirty and ruin the already painted areas with the brush handle;

The paint will adhere to the surface perfectly if you first apply the emulsion to the top of the battery and then to the bottom. Heating equipment should not be coated with a thick and thick layer of paint, because this will cause unevenness to appear on it.

Heating radiators are an indispensable element of the house. If the paint on them is faded and swollen, then they are unlikely to decorate the house. If funds are available, old batteries can be replaced with new ones. But, if making such a significant purchase is not possible, then you can simply repaint the batteries. For this, special paint is used.

What is the purpose of paint? It is designed to protect the surface of the batteries from corrosion, give them the desired shade of color and improve their appearance. In the past, pipes and radiators were painted exclusively in White color. Nowadays, everything has changed, and batteries can be painted in any desired color. The article will discuss the choice of paint for radiators, as well as the technology for their subsequent painting.

Tool and coloring composition

So, to paint the surface of radiators you will need the following tool:

knife for removing peeling paint;
sandpaper, special remover or wire brush to remove old paint;
kit paint brushes different sizes;
rags for cleaning the surface from dust and dirt;
a small roller to paint the batteries between the ribs.

There are certain requirements for paints and enamels intended for painting batteries. They must protect the metal from corrosion, not turn yellow over time and withstand high temperatures.

Several types of enamels meet these requirements:

Water-dispersed acrylic paints They retain color for a long time, do not have a sharp unpleasant odor, and dry quickly.
Alkyd enamels are durable, can withstand up to +90° C, and are resistant to abrasion. The disadvantage of the composition is that it has a pungent odor that lingers for quite a long time after painting. In addition, over time, the color turns yellow, and low-quality alkyd enamel even cracks.
Solvent-based acrylic paints are moisture resistant and have a beautiful glossy texture. The color of the coating remains in its original form for a long time. This type of enamel can be used even without applying a primer. A solvent is used to regulate the viscosity of the composition.

Popular in the past oil paints. Today, such coloring compositions are used extremely rarely, because the market offers a large assortment special enamels that are designed specifically for painting radiators. In addition, oil paints turn yellow and have a sharp unpleasant smell, and even worse, they reduce the heat transfer of the surface being painted.

Choosing enamel color for radiators

White radiators are a traditional solution. But, if this does not suit you, and you want to distinguish yourself, then the batteries can be painted in a different color. Perfect solution– paint them in a color that matches the walls. No less spectacular option– paint the batteries in accordance with the range of colors prevailing in the interior. In this case, the heating elements will be less noticeable and will not attract undue attention.

Some masters, on the contrary, turn batteries into a masterpiece of art. They apply small designs to the radiator. These can be flowers and leaves, herringbone patterns, geometric figures. The main thing is not to overdo it and stick with the idea. Radiators in silver or bronze will look stylish. They are great for interiors in a classic style.

Children love bright and rich colors. When painting batteries in a children's room, you should abandon stereotypical views. The battery can be fun, for example, painted in rainbow colors, in the form of a picket fence with painted flowers, butterflies and dragonflies.

Preparing radiators for painting

Before you start painting radiators, they need to be properly prepared. The fact is that if you paint an untreated surface, it will quickly lose its attractiveness. In addition, uneven areas will protrude from under the painted layer. Over time, cracks will appear in these places.

Think about how to remove the old paint and how many supplies to purchase.

Removing old paint

There are 2 ways to remove paint:

chemical solvents,
wire brush.

A metal brush is inserted into the drill. This allows you to effectively and quickly remove the old coating. You can cope with the task perfectly with the help of washing solutions.

Chemical solvents designed to remove old paint on batteries act only on the paint layer without destroying the metal surface.

In order not to cause harm to health, it is necessary to follow safety precautions. It is recommended to wear a respirator to protect Airways. In addition, it is necessary to ventilate the room. The washing solution is applied with a brush to the entire surface of the battery. After this, it needs to be covered with film. After about an hour, the paint is removed with a spatula.

After the layers of paint have been removed, the surface must be completely cleaned. Try to keep it as even as possible. This stage takes time and effort, but it’s worth it, because the smoother the surface of the battery, the more harmoniously it will fit into the interior. After completing the preparatory work, the radiator should be degreased. You can use baking soda or white spirit for this. The next step is to apply an anti-corrosion primer.

There are situations when heating radiators need to be repainted, despite the fact that they are new. Before this it is also necessary to carry out preparatory work. This includes removing dust and dirt, cleaning the surface with sandpaper and then treating with a solvent.

Removing paint using a remover:

Technological process for painting batteries

Radiators should be painted in the warm season, when the heating is turned off. Otherwise on separate areas The paint will dry very quickly, causing it to lie unevenly and cause streaks to form.

Today the market offers customers paint that is designed for application to hot batteries. However, if the recommendations are not followed, the enamel will also lie unevenly.

If it is not possible to completely turn off the heating, then at least lower the temperature on the radiator you are going to paint. If you live in an apartment building where you work central heating, then you will have to shut off the supply hot water, you can do this yourself or seek help from the housing office.

Protect your floor from possible contamination. For this purpose, you can spread paper or cloth on the floor, or newspaper. If you use brushes to paint batteries, it is important that they have soft bristles. One of the brushes should be straight, the other should be curved. This will allow you to paint hard-to-reach places. You can replace the curved brush with a small roller. The result will be the same.

The paint is applied first from the top of the radiator, movements should be directed downwards. First of all you need to paint inner surface batteries, then external. This will avoid staining your hands and therefore your clothes. The enamel is applied in 2 layers. In this case, the second one is applied only after the first one has completely dried. This ensures a smooth and uniform gloss finish.

You can paint batteries using a spray can or spray gun. For convenience, in this case it is better to remove the battery. This will allow you to evenly paint hard-to-reach areas.

Painting with a spray can filled with heat-resistant paint is carried out very efficiently and quickly. If you have limited time, then this is the best option.

It is important to follow the instructions for use written on the package. This achieves best result. The main rule when spray painting is to perform a zigzag motion from top to bottom. The distance from the surface to be painted to the spray can is approximately 30 cm. To avoid staining the walls, they can be covered with film.

By correctly applying the recommendations for painting and designing radiators, you can decorate your home with a unique addition to your interior design. If you have any questions on the topic, write comments to the article. Specialists working on the site will provide you with comprehensive answers.